Getting Ready and Packed for the Airport

We are just Seven Days away from our big trip, and the first adventure we will all face together is getting through airport security.  However, with some advanced planning and smart decisions, we can all make it through quickly and easily.  Here are some tips:

Photo ID – Sometimes the airport checks IDs on our kids, and other times they don’t, but I don’t take any chances. Therefore, I have asked that ALL students give me their photo ID by Thursday at lunch. I already have some of our ID cards, but anyone who still needs to get it to me can do so by Thursday.  I keep all the IDs together in one binder sorted alphabetically to make it easy for check-in. The ticketing agents love this and are usually extra-nice to us as a result. If you will need your ID to use a debit or credit card, just let me know and I will give it to your during the trip. Just keep it safe and prepare to give it back to me before the flight home. All adults travelers will definitely need government-issued photo ID.

Reduce your metal – Try to wear as little metal as possible to the airport.  Earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and even clothing with metal accessories attached to them always have the potential to set off the system (metal-rimmed eyeglasses are OK). Boys, if you’re into those big skater belt buckles, leave them at home.  Finally, any other objects (watch, camera, cell phone, iPod, coins) that could activate the metal detector should be placed in your backpack. Take some time BEFORE we get to the airport to do this, so you’re not scrambling at the last minute. The only things that should be in your hand or in your pockets as you walk through security should be your boarding pass.  You MUST have this with you when you walk through security.

Measure up – I’ve already told you that your checked suitcase should be no heavier than 45 pounds. The airlines set 50 pounds as the absolute maximum, but you’re probably going to bring back more than you went out with, so leave yourself some room...I will be weighing bags at Rio Norte before we get on the bus.

Smart shoes – The TSA (Transportation Security Administration) will require you to take off your shoes and place them in a bin to be scanned. Make sure to wear shoes that are easy to take off and put on (no double or triple knots in your laces), but keep in mind these are probably the same shoes you will wear throughout much of our first day on tour.

Sweatshirts, jackets, and hoodies – If your outer layer is one that can be easily shed (zip-up hoodie or jacket), be prepared. TSA may ask you to remove it, place it in a bin, and run it through the scanner. If it’s a pull-over sweater or sweatshirt, they generally will let you leave it on. I actually recommend that whatever warm coat you’re bringing on the trip you actually wear to the airport and DON’T pack it. It’s one less bulky item to pack in your suitcase and it could double as a pillow or a blanket on the plane.

Quart-size bags – If you’re toting tons of electronics with you (iPod, iPod charger, cell phone, cell phone charger, headphones) all in your backpack, it may look like you’re carrying some sort of explosive triggering device. Make your life and the life of your TSA screener easier by grouping these items into quart-size storage bags. I’m partial to the quart-size freezer bags because they’re a little sturdier. If the TSA screener has to open your bag, it will be easy for him to see you have nothing suspicious. Plus, it will be easier for you to find your stuff later without cords getting all tangled up.  You can also use quart bags for your medications with your foldable medication authorization form.

Avoid liquids in carry-on – In the TSA 3-1-1 guide (available HERE), it talks about the rule for bringing liquids in your carry-on. I’m not bringing ANY liquids in my carry-on luggage (my backpack). All my hair gel, toothpaste, shampoo, etc. goes into my toiletry bag in my checked luggage. Why do you need hair gel or deodorant on the airplane? These guidelines are mostly geared to overnight travelers who pack everything into their carry-on, and that’s not us.

There are tons of other prohibited items that I'm not going into, but most of these are common sense. Here's a good rule: if it's not allowed at school, it's probably not allowed on a plane. Please ask Mr. Sheridan if you are unclear about what is prohibited and what is not.

“The Table” – When it comes to personal travel, it is important to be an efficient packer.   If you forget something, we won't have the luxury to buy items next week, which is why I suggest laying out all your things on a table. On “The Table” place your packing list and then item by item lay everything out that you need. Deodorant: check. Toothpaste: check. phone charger: check. Camera battery charger: check.

If you haven’t set up your own version of “The Table” yet, I urge you to consider it. Lay everything out in advance now so you know what you have and what you may still need to get. Places like Rite-Aid are not always easily accessible with the places we’re visiting and the schedule we’re on. Hotel gift shops often sell toothpaste and batteries and memory cards, but it is likely at a significantly higher price.

Students—The next time I’ll see you is THURSDAY AT LUNCH in Rm. P-2!
Parents - I'll see you at Rio on Saturday April 2nd at 5:15pm!

Great Meeting Last Week!

Hey East Coasters,
Thank you all for coming to our pre-departure meeting on Monday.  It is great to see how excited the kids are becoming as we get closer to our trip.  I wanted to go over a couple of quick items that I mentioned at the meeting, but may not have explained as well as I would have liked.

Medication Authorization foldable:
This is the sheet that you picked up at the meeting that gives me or a chaperone the permission to administer some basic medications (Advil, Pepto-Bismol, etc.) as well as specialty medications that you wish to provide (if you wish to provide chewable versions of medications, just include them on the specialty side of the foldable).  This sheet should be folded and put into a quart sized Ziploc bag along with any daily supplements, or medications that your child takes on a regular basis.  Bring the baggie on the day we depart and I will assign it to your child's chaperone.  Please pack only enough meds for the trip, not the whole bottle.  Your child can get their medications from their assigned chaperone as needed (usually at meal times).  As always, any life saving medications (epi-pen, inhaler etc.) should be kept by your child for emergencies.  If your child is not bringing any medications or supplements with them, just sign the foldable for your child to have permission to get the basic medications I will have with me, and give it to me before our departure. 


The Flight:
I did talk about this, but really want to hammer home this point.  It is a red-eye flight, and it is very important that the kids try their best to get some sleep/rest on the plane.  We will be touring all day when we arrive, so please let the kids know that they will regret not getting a little sleep when they have the chance.  Additionally, we want to be considerate to the other passengers on the plane who are trying to sleep as well.

Departure Day:
We are leaving from the Rio Norte Campus on Saturday, April 2nd.  Please wear your USA Student Travel t-shirt on this day.


And finally, I want to have a quick student meeting at lunch on Thursday, March 31st in room P-2.  At this meeting, I will collect student ID cards in the event TSA needs them, and I will go over the rules of the trip and signed student agreement in detail one final time.  Thank you again for allowing your child to have this experience.  I will likely be sending a couple more e-mails before we leave, but as always, please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. 

-Mr. Sheridan

Mandatory Pre-Departure Meeting Tonight!

Hey East Coasters,
Just a quick reminder that our MANDATORY Pre-Departure meeting is taking place tonight, Monday, March 14th at 6:00pm in the Rio Norte MPR.  At least one parent or guardian must be present with their child.  We are less than three weeks away from our East Coast Adventure!  Please bring the completed paperwork you received in the mail from USA Student Travel, plus $10 cash (optional, but politely requested) for tips for our coach driver and tour guide.  Additionally, if your child has not turned in my trip agreement, please bring that as well. See you all tonight!

Mr. Sheridan

Mandatory Pre-Departure Meeting On Monday!

Hey East Coasters,
Just a quick reminder that our MANDATORY Pre-Departure Meeting will be taking place in less than one week, next Monday, March 14th at 6:00pm in the Rio MPR.  The traveling student and at least one parent/guardian must be in attendance.  If students have completed their trip agreements, they can bring them in to Mr. Sheridan as soon as they are ready.  They must have them by the Pre-Departure meeting.  See you then!